Majella Cullagh dazzles as a young, virtuosic Adina

THE SONGBIRD: Irish soprano Majella Cullagh was born in 1972. She studied at the Cork School of Music and then at the National Opera Studio in London. Her debut was in Wales in 1993 in Donizetti's "Il campanello" -- an early sign that her repertoire would tilt heavily toward obscure Italian bel canto operas. She has recorded frequently for Opera Rara. Cullagh has sung lyric and florid roles all over the UK, of course, but also in prominent opera houses and concert halls in the United States, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Holland, France, and Italy.
THE MUSIC: Donizetti's beloved "L'elisir d'amore" is one of the most produced operas in the world, and it's easy to understand why with its sentimental comic story about the gullible underdog who wins over the girl of his dreams. It's been called a "tenor's opera" due to the extremely appealing tenor role of Nemorino; however, the soprano Adina does have one big vocal (and emotional) moment at the end when she finally admits to him that she loves him. "Prendi per me sei libero" is one of the composer's most ingratiating melodies, and it is followed by an elegant if short florid cabaletta "Il mio rigor dimentico." The score in this section tops out a High C, but there are endless scales and roulades to be negotiated and Cullagh interpolates additional high notes, including a High E-flat in a cadence about half-way through the video.

[@KajiVocals]

Finally something above high D from Cullagh. Been looking for a while. I'm sure there's more surely? She's excellent on the Opera Rara releases.

[@Leanrosso]

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[@XPRT10R]

Very good singer. I can't imagine having to listen to the tenor singing Nemorino for a whole performance though